One of the best features of Android Auto is hidden in plain sight: Google Assistant’s routine shortcuts. These allow you to streamline and automate repetitive tasks with a single click or command. Although you may have used them on your phone, they are also available as shortcuts in the Android Auto launcher.
Just like the best fun Android Auto apps, having these shortcuts at your fingertips makes for a smoother in-car experience. I’ve been using the Assistant routines in the car for a while, with several of them I can’t live without.
Create new Assistant routines
Before moving on to the list of routines, let’s quickly see how to add a routine to Android Auto. First, you’ll need to add a routine to the wizard; later you can link it to Android Auto.
On your Android device, go to Settings > Google > All services > Search, Assistant & Voice > Google Assistant > Routines.
Now press + New in the upper right corner and select Staff.
Here you will add the Starters (prompts that start the routine) and Acts (the elements that make up the routine) of your choice for each routine. It’s up to you; I’ll show you some of my favorites below. Make sure to give the routine a clear name (at the top) so you can identify it among others.
Once created, you can easily launch the Assistant routine by saying “Hey Google, [Starter phrase]. “And when you’re in the car, you can also add a one-click shortcut to the Android Auto launcher.
Add a routine to Android Auto
To link your routines to Android Auto, go to Settings > Connected devices > Connection preferences > Android Auto > Customize launcher > Add launcher shortcut.
In the pop-up window, select a wizard action and add the exact seed phrase you used in the routine, along with the label you want, then press CREATE A SHORTCUT. And that’s it: you have an Assistant routine shortcut on your Android Auto launcher.
One of the best tips for Android Auto is to rearrange your apps for easy access; be sure to do this to keep your new routine shortcuts handy.
The best Assistant routines for Android Auto
A Wizard routine may be what you want. Here are five of my favorite amazing routines that will help you, along with their suggestions for getting started and doing things. Feel free to modify them as you see fit.
A seed phrase can be whatever interests you. These are just a few ideas to get you moving.
Morning work routine
With this routine, the Assistant configures navigation to my workplace, allowing me to see my ETA. Next, Assistant checks my calendar for today’s tasks and events, then loads an upbeat playlist from YouTube Music. This routine not only helps me get to work faster, but also helps me plan my day on the right foot.
Starter sentence: Starting my morning work commute
Acts:
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Get directions to work.
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Read the day’s calendar events.
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Play it Good morning playlist.
The shopping routine
When you trigger this routine, it tells you the weather, directs you to the nearest supermarket, and reads your Keep checklist aloud. So when I go out, I have an idea of the weather and I remember what I’m doing. This adds convenience to the shopping experience, from the moment I leave my home until I arrive at the supermarket.
Starter sentence: Start my grocery run
Acts:
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Tell me what the weather is like
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Go to the nearest open supermarket
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Read Google Keep Grocery List
The routine of long journeys
I love doing solo outings, which is why it’s my favorite routine even if it happens less often than the others. Every time I shout, “Hey Google, here we go!” this routine tells me the weather conditions at my destination, the estimated time of arrival and the traffic situation on the way. Then it plays the latest episode of my favorite podcast.
Starter sentence: It’s time to go!
Acts:
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Go to [your destination]
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What is my estimated time of arrival at my destination?
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What is the weather like at your destination?
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Are there traffic jams on the way to my destination?
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Play the latest episode of [favorite podcast]
The pickup routine
Picking up and dropping off our loved ones is an activity many of us do on a daily basis. For me, such routines can sometimes be overshadowed by other important tasks that present themselves. I created this routine due to the delays created by these circumstances, or by traffic or weather conditions.
It tells me the traffic conditions on my way, gives the weather forecast and finally offers a nice and relaxing playlist so that we can play together when arriving or going to our destination.
You can create multiple routines using this concept by customizing them for each player. In this routine, customize the starter and actions based on where you often go and set the playlist to one that suits your mood.
Starter sentence: To start [name’s] pickup routine.
Acts:
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Tell me what the weather is like
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Access the [destination]
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Listen to the playlist of the latest pop hits
The routine of coming home
Finally, the “coming home” routine includes all the rituals I perform before and upon arriving home. When this routine is triggered, Assistant automatically opens the garage door, turns on the air conditioner, and starts streaming music to my Nest, creating a warm and comfortable environment.
Starter sentence: I’m going home.
Acts:
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Open the garage door
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Turn on the living room air conditioning
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Play my jazz playlist on the Nest in the living room
Speed up your tasks while driving with routines on Android Auto
There’s no need to pick up your phone, fiddle with your car console, text with Android Auto, or give multiple commands to play music, set navigation, and trigger activities. With Assistant Routines on Android Auto, you can accomplish all these tasks with a single click or voice command. This is a great upgrade to Android Auto that everyone should take advantage of.
